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Rubrica di Marco Fasano

"Quando", one out of the five "W" in the Italian language

Weekly Topic: What is the word you most often hear in conversations in your native language?

Apr 15, 2023

Quando is an Italian word that translates to "when" in English. It is a simple yet powerful word that can be used in a variety of contexts. In this article, we will explore the different ways in which the word quando can be used and its significance in the Italian language.

One of the most common uses of quando is to ask about time. For example, you might ask "quando arrivi?" which means "when are you arriving?". This usage of the word is straightforward and can be used in many different situations, whether you're asking about someone's arrival time or when a certain event is taking place.

Another common usage of quando is in the context of conditional statements. For example, you might say "quando vado al mare, nuoto sempre" which means "when I go to the beach, I always swim". In this case, quando is used to introduce a hypothetical scenario that may or may not happen, and the sentence describes what would happen if it did occur.

In addition to its functional uses, quando can also convey a sense of nostalgia or longing. For example, you might say "quando ero giovane" which means "when I was young". In this case, quando is used to evoke a sense of the past, and the sentence implies that the speaker is reflecting on a time that has long since passed.

The word quando also has a significant role in Italian culture and literature. In many Italian songs and poems, quando is used to express love and romance. For example, in the famous Italian song "Quando, Quando, Quando" by Tony Renis, the word is used to convey a sense of anticipation and excitement about a future meeting with a loved one.

Overall, the word quando is a versatile and powerful word in the Italian language. It can be used to ask about time, express hypothetical scenarios, evoke nostalgia, and even convey love and romance. Its significance in Italian culture and literature only further highlights the importance of this simple yet meaningful word.

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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